Miguel Tanton Puts in a Birthday Performance to Remember

Kaya Makati returned to winning ways in style, triumphing over Stallion Laguna, 3-1, at the Biñan Football Stadium. A goal from Jordan Mintah, and a brace from birthday boy, Miguel Tanton, did the damage for the visiting side.

“I’m happy with the win, we were able to get maximum points against Stallion,” said Makati head coach Noel Marcaida, before praising Tanton’s standout performance.

“He deserves to be Man of the Match — a gift from himself, and a gift from the team for him as well. Today is a very special day for him.”

On his 28th birthday, Tanton ensured it would be an event to remember, scoring an exquisite free kick on either side of half time to not only open his scoring account in the Philippines Football League, but also seal victory for his team.

“It’s a great feeling you know. When it’s your birthday [it’s possible] you think too much. You think maybe you’re either the best or the worst. I don’t know if you could play in between, so luckily today I was on the positive end,” he said after the game.

Asked if the occasion was the reason for his inspired performance, he responded, “Not quite. I wasn’t really thinking, so I guess, that is being in the zone. I felt sharp.”

With three points and a Man of the Match performance in the bag, he plans to spend the rest of the day with those closest to him.

“I’ll probably have dinner with my mom and girlfriend. I don’t know what else I’m going to do. Maybe I’ll open a present hopefully, or two,” he smiled.

The only hiccup for Makati in the match was a Yannick Tuason consolation right before the final whistle, which denied Kaya a clean sheet. Although the goal was irrelevant to the result, it did not go unnoticed.

“We still have to work on finishing the game on a strong point, without conceding late in the game,” emphasized Marcaida, who a few days ago, witnessed his side give up a 90th minute goal that salvaged a 2-2 draw for Global.

The result snaps a three-game winless run for Makati, who travel to Davao to face the Aguilas on July 9. Meanwhile, Stallion remain winless after nine matches, with draws against Meralco Manila and Global Cebu their only points so far.